Abstract: A data access method and apparatus for computerized control of a muscle exercising machine, allows large amounts of data to be stored and retrieved with minimal computer skill. The muscle exercising machine displays a window or "scroll box" on its display device in response to an appropriate selection of a first type of data to be retrieved. The window contains a list of at least some of the names of the first type of data to be retrieved and a selection area for highlighting one name in the list of the first type of data in the window. The list can be scrolled in the up or down direction via a touch screen to locate a data file within a selection area of the window or scroll box.The window and up/down selection options may be used to simplify storage and retrieval of patient data. In response to a selection command, at least some of the names of users are displayed and one name is selected. Then, at least some of the dates of exercise for the selected name are displayed and one date is selected.